The Carpenters Arms, South Marston

South Marston, Swindon, SN3 4ST

Telephone: (01793) 822997

With a dedicated room just off the main bar called 'The Dog House' with its own doggie menu, you know you're in a pub that appreciates dogs are part of the family. Nightingale Woods nearby for walkies.

Best Pub Gardens

09/02/2017

Sip back & relax! Our guide to the best Swindon pub gardens, patios and terraces

The Sun Inn, Swindon

Coate, Swindon, SN3 6AA

Telephone: (01793) 523292

Just the place for all the family, especially before or after visiting neighbouring Coate Water or the Richard Jefferies Museum. The garden includes a children’s playground and on sunny days the barbecue area is busy. You may even catch a live band playing outdoors in the thatched shelter.

The Red Lion, Castle Eaton

The Street, Castle Eaton, Swindon, SN6 6JZ

Telephone: 01285 810280

The first pub on the Thames at Castle Eaton makes this another country pub well worth the drive or cycle-ride. Add in some very good cooking and riverside views and you almost have the perfect summer destination for drinking & eating.

Mackenzies

16 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4AB

Telephone: 01793 430111

We couldn't do a guide to Swindon's top places to enjoy a summer drink without including Mackenzies because it's been one of the best and most popular locations when the sun's out for over twenty five years. Ideal as well come evening and night time with its very own bar open 'til late.

The Royal Oak, Bishopstone

Cues Lane, Bishopstone, Swindon, SN6 8PP

Telephone: (01793) 790481

A genuinely unspoilt and much-loved pub which the Michelin Guide recommend for its good food. But it has even more to offer in the summer months because of its front terrace & friendly little garden where you can enjoy weekend barbecues - and even camp with pigs in late August!

The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames

Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ

Telephone: (01367) 252534

Packed in the summer, of course, being by the river Thames, this pub is also mighty popular in winter when the fire is lit. Expect to find the odd four-legged friend stretched out in front of it, while it warms walkers and diners alike in the oak-panelled restaurant room.

Telephone: (01793) 790481

The Fox and Hounds, Wroughton

Markham Road, Wroughton, SN4 9JT

Telephone: 01793 815415

7 fully-modern bedrooms with en-suite facilities incl. a larger double designed with wetroom for the disabled.

Ideal for those stopping-off in Swindon and north Wiltshire for business as well as those travelling through enjoying local sights such as the Wiltshire Downs, nearby White Horses, Avebury and the Wroughton Science Museum.

Telephone: (01793) 822997

The Angel Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett

47 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AQ

Telephone: 01793 851161

17 modern, en-suite accommodation rooms just five minutes from the M4.

The focus of the bedrooms is comfort; from Vi-Spring beds and Egyptian cotton linen to individually designed fabrics, colour schemes and bespoke furniture. All en-suite bathrooms have baths with showers.

The Fox and Hounds, Wroughton

Markham Road, Wroughton, SN4 9JT

Telephone: 01793 815415

The Fox & Hounds serve a couple of fabulous fish dishes on their menu including line caught fish in a beer batter served with chipped potatoes and minted peas, and a fish pie featuring a selection of fish from Brixham, a white wine cream sauce, fluffy mash and petis pois.

The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames

Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ

Telephone: (01367) 252534

Catch the Chick event on Easter Sunday from 2pm 'til 4pm. Find the chicks hidden all around the pub (and outside weather permitting) and you win a prize! There will also be an Easter Colour Competition with 3 age categories.

The Royal Oak, Bishopstone

Cues Lane, Bishopstone, Swindon, SN6 8PP

Telephone: (01793) 790481

The annual Royal Oak Easter egg hunt is loved by children and adults alike. Tractor and trailer ride to the hunt. Costs £5.00 per car/family. Both the egg hunt and pub will be busy so please book in advance.

Best Pubs with Play Areas

11/04/2017

Plus things to do to keep the little ones happy

The Sun Inn, Swindon

Coate, Swindon, SN3 6AA

Telephone: (01793) 523292

A previous landlord was persuaded to take this pub as soon as his children saw the play area, they loved it that much. Plenty of places to climb, slide & swing. Next door to Coate Water country park too if you fancy a walk.

The Tawny Owl

Taw Hill, North Swindon, Swindon, SN25 1WR

Telephone: (01793) 706770

Sip back and relax while you let the little monkeys climb away in a safe play area just off the main terrace. The Swindon & Cricklade Railway stops off just outside the pub too if you fancy a weekend train ride with refreshment!

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13/04/2017

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Best Pub Curry

02/05/2017

These Swindon pubs tikka all the boxes

The Red Lion, Castle Eaton

The Street, Castle Eaton, Swindon, SN6 6JZ

Telephone: 01285 810280

Great cooking & exceptional value here with their chicken curry & vegetarian option always on the menu at £8.95 incl. poppadums & naan bread. Beef curry too normally on the specials board. THURSDAYS its 2 for £15. Plus look out for their very popular Indian Banquet Nights.

The Village Inn, Liddington

Bell Lane, Liddington, Swindon, SN4 0HE

Telephone: (01793) 790314

The Village Inn offer a great smaller appetite menu with a superb choice of pub classics including a roast, fish, vegetarian option and more all for just £6.95 each. Served Monday - Friday from 12pm 'til 2pm.

Telephone: 01793 887635

Out With The Kids This Summer?

04/08/2017

It's always family friendly at an Arkell's managed pub - WIN A MEAL FOR 4!

The Tawny Owl

Taw Hill, North Swindon, Swindon, SN25 1WR

Telephone: (01793) 706770

Possibly the most family friendly pub in Swindon, with a great kids' menu and safe play area in the garden. We like the fact that the Swindon & Cricklade Railway stops off just outside the pub too if you fancy a weekend train ride with refreshment!

The Sun Inn, Swindon

Coate, Swindon, SN3 6AA

Telephone: (01793) 523292

Being right next door to Coate Water Country Park, this pub has always been a family favourite after afternoon walks & exploring. A previous landlord was persuaded to take this pub as soon as his children saw the play area, they loved it that much, so there's plenty of places to climb, slide & swing too. Extensive choice of children's meals from £5.25 and lots of ice cream!

The Angel Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett

47 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 7AQ

Telephone: 01793 851161

If you're heading south on a day out, then The Angel is well worth stopping off on your way down or back home. A great 'colouring' menu for the little ones includes dishes from £6 they'll love, plus big tables that gives everyone plenty of space to enjoy their meal & relax.

The Kingsdown, Upper Stratton

Upper Stratton, Swindon, SN2 7PE

Telephone: (01793) 824802

This pub has a brilliant garden for children to play in while the grown ups can sip back and take a well-earned break. Food is served inside & out, with a Kingsdown Kids menu that'll soon fill their little tummys. And big portions for grown ups too!

The Southbrook, Swindon

Southbrook St, Swindon, SN2 1HF

Telephone: 01793 513540

With a children's menu featuring the likes of Penne Bolognese at just £3.99, you won't be smashing open the piggy bank to enjoy a meal out with the kids at The Southbrook. And that includes the very popular Bish, Bash, Bosh Ice Cream Sundae at £3.50 too! Big, quiet garden features two play areas.

The Saracens Head Hotel, Highworth

High Street, Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7AG

Telephone: (01793) 762284

The homemade food & a brand-new garden area are the big attraction for families at The Saracens in Highworth. An ideal stop-off if you're venturing Cotswold way for a day-out, their £5 kids menu includes two scoops of ice cream for dessert all included.

The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames

Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ

Telephone: (01367) 252534

Families are now drawn to The Riverside not only for the Thames view and the wildlife, but for the pub's brand-new pancake & waffle bar! Open most weekend afternoons in the summer (depending on the weather, of course) it serves an array of tempting treats that mum & dad might find difficult to turn down as well. Boat hire is also available for making a real fun day of it on the river.

The Runner, Swindon

Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, SN1 4NQ

Telephone: (01793) 523903

A big children's play area right next to the pub's waterside terrace means keeping an eye on the kids is easy at The Runner. Ideal for the town centre, the good food and plenty of choice of kids meals & snacks makes it a popular lunchtime location for families in the summer, especially at lunchtime.

On The Water!

22/08/2017

The best pubs in and around Swindon to eat & drink with a riverside or lake view...

The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames

Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ

Telephone: (01367) 252534

With the River Thames to look on to and pub food menu full of all the starters, mains and desserts we all like, it's hard to beat The Riverside when the sun's out. May we even recommend hiring a boat from the pub too and making a real day of it on the water.

The Red Lion, Castle Eaton

The Street, Castle Eaton, Swindon, SN6 6JZ

Telephone: 01285 810280

Possibly the best riverbank view of the lot, The Red Lion has just undergone a major refurbishment and sits beautifully near the mouth of the Thames and serves very good pub food 7 days a week. If you've got a canoe you can also launch it from The Red Lion but we recommend just sitting back and watching the wildlife.

The Runner, Swindon

Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, SN1 4NQ

Telephone: (01793) 523903

The Runner on Wootton Bassett Road in Swindon and its fantastic garden and terrace is just made for summer. You'll find a covered patio area overlooking the meandering River Ray below, so it's no wonder that Al Fresco dining at The Runner is proving such a popular pastime for lunch-breakers, families and couples alike.

Pubs With Function Rooms

18/10/2017

The best place to hold a party - the pub! Here's the best ones with seperate function rooms.

- The White Hart, Stratton St. Margaret -

Oxford Road, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, SN3 4JD

Telephone: (01793) 822272

Two functions rooms incl. the Stratton Room with standing room for 120; sitting for 50 & own private bar. Smaller breakfast room ideal for smaller parties. Both have their own entrance + accommodation rooms also available.

20 at The Kings

20 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4AB

Telephone: 01793 522156

Food & functions in Old Town, Swindon with 3 main function rooms incl. the large ballroom which seats 120; 150 standing. Snug area just off the main bar also ideal for small gatherings. Overnight accommodation also available.

The Runner, Swindon

Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, SN1 4NQ

Telephone: (01793) 523903

Although we'd like to recommend dining al Fresco next to the adjacent River Ray we might think that a little too chilly in December! Time for indoors then, and a dining room that's designed for mixing small and larger groups.

The adjacent bar is ideal for social drinks - and SKY Sports for the festive fixtures!

The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames

Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ

Telephone: (01367) 252534

With a big roaring fire in the restaurant, The Riverside is one pub that's busy throughout the summer and winter. Their upstairs function room - often overlooked - is ideal for private bookings and larger parties.